The City of Festus elects a Mayor to serve a four-year term, eight City Council members who serve two-year terms, and a city treasurer to a 2-year term. The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Administrator, who implements City Council's policies and goals, coordinates departmental development, and promotes communication among elected officials, citizens, and staff. As the chief elected official , the Mayor oversees the police and fire departments and is apprised of the day to day operations of the city. The City Council meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in regular session and, most months, the first Monday for a work session.

The City of Festus does not directly employ lobbying services at this time and only do so collectively through the Missouri Municipal League.